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Prepare to apply

Before you start your Statement of Interest (SOI), gather your supporting documents, and get familiar with the information you will be asked to provide in the SOI.

On this page

Prepare your documents

You must include the following with your SOI for it to be considered complete.

What happens if a supporting document is missing from your statement of interest package

If your Statement of Interest (SOI) package is incomplete, we will send you an email. If you do not submit the missing information, we won't be able to move forward with your SOI screening.

How to answer the Statement of interest questions

The purpose of this section is to help you fill in the SOI. It describes the specific information you need for each question on the form.

All questions in the form with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.

In this section

Section A

Important information appears in Section A of the SOI and is for your information and understanding. It contains information about the Attestation, the information you provide in the SOI, and the access of information. Read this information carefully.

Part 1 - Organization

A - Organization information (Questions 1 to 21)

Question 1: Organization's legal name

What is your organization's legal name? The legal name is usually:

  • the name on your registration with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or provincial/territorial equivalent, or
  • the name used on funding cheques, bank accounts, etc.
Question 2: Operating (common) name (mandatory if different from legal name)

What is the operating (or common) name of your organization (if it differs from the legal name)?

Question 3: Business or registration number

What is your 15-digit CRA business number? (For example, 123456789 RR 0001).

For registered charities and not-for-profit organizations, what is your registration number?

You can find your CRA business number on tax-related documents or written communications from the CRA.

For more information, please visit Canada Revenu Agency (CRA) .

If you do not have a CRA business number, or a not-for-profit registration number, you must provide one of the following documents:

  • if incorporated:
    • a copy of letters of patent
    • articles of incorporation
    • certificate of incorporation
    • memorandum of association
    • your rules, by-laws, or constitution
  • if not incorporated:
    • a copy of your rules, bylaws, council resolutions, or constitution
Question 4: Organization type

Choose 1 of the following:

not-for-profit organization

Not-for-profit organizations are established for purposes other than financial gain for their members. They primarily receive provincial/federal funding (supplemented by fundraising and fees), often rely on volunteers to deliver programs, and are often governed by a Board of Directors or a Committee. These organizations include:

  • community, charitable or voluntary organizations, including faith-based organizations (for example, churches, synagogues, temples, mosques)
  • associations of workers or employers as well as professional and industrial organizations
  • Indigenous not-for-profit organizations
  • non-governmental organizations
  • unions
  • sector councils
  • not-for-profit Band Councils
public sector employers

All companies and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Government of Canada are classified as public sector employers. For the purposes of certain statutes, various agencies, such as school boards and hospitals, are considered part of the public sector. They are often referred to as parapublic organizations. Public sector employers can be large or small, though often have numerous employees and are governed by Public Policy mandates.

Public sector employers include:

  • public community colleges and vocational schools
  • public health, including public hospitals, nursing homes, senior citizen homes, rehabilitation homes
  • public degree-granting universities and colleges
  • municipal governments and agencies, including regional legislative bodies and departments
  • school boards and elementary and secondary institutions
  • territorial governments and agencies
  • Provincial governments and agencies

When a public sector employer uses a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) registered charity business number, it does not change the organization's designation to a not-for-profit.

private sector employers

Private sector employers are established in order to generate a profit or to provide an economic advantage to their proprietors, members, or shareholders. They primarily operate through company profits but can be supplemented by Provincial/Federal government funding. These employers are privately owned and are independently managed. Note that volunteers may deliver some programs and a Board of Directors may govern the business.

Private sector employers include:

  • bodies, incorporated or unincorporated, including partnerships and sole proprietorships
  • financial Institutions
  • business, incorporated or unincorporated bodies, which include:
    • federal Crown corporations operating in a competitive environment and not ordinarily dependent on appropriations for operating purposes as indicated in Schedule III, Part II of the Financial Administration Act
    • provincial and territorial Crown corporations recognized as operating in a competitive environment and not ordinarily dependent on appropriations for operating purposes
    • private health and educational institutions
    • independent owners of franchises
  • Indian Band corporations
  • private Band Councils
  • private universities or colleges
Question 5: Organization category

Select the most appropriate category from the following based on what you chose in Question 4.

Not-for-profit sector
  • Local community, charitable, or voluntary
  • Provincial non-governmental organizations
  • National non-governmental organizations
  • Not-for-profit band councils
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) with a focus on encouraging employment
  • Unions
  • Associations of workers and/or of employers
  • Indigenous not-for-profit groups
  • Sector councils
Private sector
  • Businesses, bodies incorporated or unincorporated
  • Banks
  • Private universities or colleges
  • Indian band corporations (profit basis)
  • Private band councils
Public sector
  • Public degree school boards / school districts
  • Municipal public health
  • Municipal governments and agencies
  • Provincial governments and agencies
  • Territorial governments
  • Public community colleges and vocational schools
  • Public degree-granting universities
  • Public degree-granting colleges
Question 6: Year established

What year was your organization established?

Questions 7 to 11: Organization address

What is your organization's physical address? Give a complete address in a format recognized by Canada Post. For more information, please visit Canada Post website.

Questions 12 to 14: Organization Telephone, website and email

What is your organization's telephone number, Website (if it has one) and email address?

Questions 15 to 19: Mailing address (mandatory if different from organization address)

What is the mailing address of your organization (if it differs from your organization's physical address)?

Question 20: Telephone (mandatory field if different from Organization number)

What is your organization's telephone number?

Question 21: Fax number

This question is not mandatory.

B - Organization contact (Questions 22 to 33)

Primary contact information (Questions 22 to 27)

Who is the main contact person for the concept? Provide the contact information for the person who will be ESDC's primary contact person in respect to your SOI. Include the following details:

  • Question 22: Given (first) name and surname (last name)
  • Question 23: What is the title of the contact person named in question 22? For example:
    • Business Owner
    • President
    • Executive Director
  • Question 24: What official language would your contact person prefer to use in written and spoken communications? Choose either English or French.
  • Question 25: Telephone Number, including extension (mandatory if different from organization number) (questions 26 to 33):
  • Question 26: Fax Number
  • Question 27: E-mail Address
Secondary contact (Questions 28 to 34)

If we cannot reach the main contact, who else can we contact? Provide the person's full name, telephone number where we can reach them during business hours and their email address.

  • Question 28: Given (first) name and surname (last name)
  • Question 29: What is the title of the contact person named in question 28? For example:
    • business owner
    • President
    • Executive Director
  • Question 30: What official language would your contact person prefer to use in written and spoken communications? Choose either English or French
  • Question 31: Telephone number, including extension (mandatory if different from organization number)
  • Question 32: Fax number
  • Question 33: Email address

Part 2 - Target sectors, occupations, and labour market need (Questions 34 to 36)

Question 34: Which economic sector(s) does your concept proposal target (for example, construction, manufacturing, mining, automotive, energy)?

List the economic sector(s) your proposal targets. Please refer to the list of sectors the program supports (list not exhaustive) and provide additional details where relevant.

Note: If your concept proposal involves reskilling workers from one sector to another, please indicate both, the original sector and the sector the workers will move into.

Question 35: Which occupation(s), occupational group(s), role(s), or skilled trade(s) does your concept proposal target?

Identify the occupation(s), occupational group(s), role(s), or skilled trade(s) your concept proposal targets. Include specific job titles, trade designations (if applicable), occupational clusters, or National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, if you know them.

Note: If your concept proposal involves reskilling workers from one occupation or trade to another, please indicate both, the original occupation or trade and the occupation or trade the workers will move into.

Question 36: Which labour market challenge(s) does your concept proposal primarily address? (Select all that apply).

Please select all labour market challenges that apply to your concept proposal. If none of the listed options fully reflect your concept, select "Other" and provide a brief description in the space provided.

Part 3 - Alignment with program objectives, guiding principles and, outcomes

A - Program objectives (Questions 37 to 39)

To be considered for funding, your submission must support at least one of the Objectives below.

Before completing this section, review the program objectives carefully. To be eligible for funding consideration, your concept must address at least one program objective. Questions 35 to 37 evaluate how well your proposal aligns with these objectives.

Project objectives should:

Question 37: Does your submission seek to scale up or adopt proven, high-impact workforce initiative in sector(s) of the economy in growth?

Please indicate if your concept addresses the Program's Objective 1. If it does, select "Yes." Then provide a clear and concrete description of the proven initiative being scaled or adopted, including evidence of past success and how it will be applied to support sector(s) in growth in the dedicated text box.

If your concept does not aim to achieve this objective, please select "No".

Question 38: Does your submission build talent pipelines to advance federal missions, industrial strategies, and major projects?

Before you answer this question, review the list below to help guide your response.

Federal strategies include but are not limited to:

  • Defence / Manufacturing:
    • Defence Industrial Strategy
    • National Shipbuilding Strategy
    • Measures to transform Canada's automotive industry
  • Resources, Mining & Metals:
    • Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy
    • Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan
    • Measures to protect and strengthen Canada's steel industry
    • Measures to transform Canada's softwood lumber industry
  • Energy:
    • National Electricity Strategy
    • Sustainable Jobs Action Plan
    • Hydrogen Strategy for Canada
    • Small Modular Reactor Action Plan
    • Canada's Carbon Management Strategy
    • Clean Electricity Strategy
  • Housing:
    • Canada's Housing Action Plan
    • National Housing Strategy
    • Build Canada Homes
    • Canada Green Buildings Strategy
  • Digital:
    • Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy
    • Canada's National Quantum Strategy
  • Transport:
    • Canada's Action Plan for Clean On-Road Transportation
  • Major Projects:
    • Major Projects Office

Please indicate if your concept addresses the Program's Objective 2. If it does, select "Yes." Then provide a clear and concrete description of how the concept proposal builds job ready talent pipelines, how these pipelines support specific federal mission(s), industrial strategy(ies), and major project(s) in the dedicated text box.

If your concept does not aim to achieve this objective, please select "No".

Question 39: Does your submission mobilize industry to co-invest in the development of a new skills program that responds to their workforce needs?

Please indicate if your concept addresses the Program's Objective 3. If it does, select "Yes." Then provide a clear and concrete description of the proposed new skills program, how industry partners are co-investing (cash and/or in-kind) in its development, their role in shaping the skills program, how the program responds to identified industry workforce needs in the dedicated text box.

If your concept does not aim to achieve this objective, please select "No".

B - Program principles (Questions 40 to 45)

The Sectoral Work Innovation Fund (SWIF) is guided by a set of funding principles that ensure investments are strategic, responsive, and focused on achieving durable labour market outcomes. All projects funded under SWIF must align with the following principles, which are used to inform eligibility, assessment, and funding decisions.

Applicants are encouraged to review the program principles carefully before completing this section.

Question 40: How will your submission focus on resolving a mismatch between supply and demand of workers in the labour market?

Your concept must help fix the problem of having job openings but not enough workers with the right skills.

Please clearly explain the worker shortage or job gap your concept is trying to fix. Include facts that show the gap between available workers and available jobs and explain how your concept will help address this issue.

Question 41: How will your submission demonstrate direct labour market linkages by connecting participants to employment, onboarding, and/or on-the-job training?

Please provide a clear, tangible explanation of how participants will be directly connected to the labour market, including through employment, onboarding activities, and/or on-the-job training.

Question 42: How does your submission demonstrate that outcomes will be sustained and endure beyond project completion?

Please provide a clear, tangible explanation of how outcomes, activities, or benefits will endure beyond the funding period through the development of a sustainability plan.

Question 43: How will your submission involve partnerships, including collaboration with post-secondary institutions and multiple employers?

Please provide a clear, tangible explanation by listing all partners and briefly describing each partner's role and contribution.

Question 44: How will your submission include meaningful private sector investment and, where possible, additional partner contributions (for example, unions, municipalities)?

Please provide a clear, tangible explanation of the funding sources and nature of co-investment or partner funding.

Question 45: Given measurable results are a necessary deliverable of all funded concepts under SWIF within the first 6 months, what steps will your concept take to mobilize project activities and achieve identified outcomes within that timeframe?

Please provide a clear, tangible explanation of how rapid mobilization and early results will be achieved.

C - Program outcomes (Question 46)

Question 46: Which of the following outcomes does your concept contribute to?

Based on your responses to Questions 37 to 39 in Part 3, please select all relevant outcomes associated with the program objectives addressed by your concept proposal and provide a clear and concrete explanation for each selected outcome:

  • identify the specific outcome(s) or expected results that the concept is designed to accomplish (example: number of clients served, number of clients trained, number of clients employed, etc.)
  • ensure that these outcome(s) are measurable
  • identify who will benefit from the project and
  • show how meeting the project objectives will help to achieve the identified outcomes

At least one outcome per objective is required. (mandatory)

Additional outcomes may be included and described in Part 4 of this form.

Part 4 - Training

A. Training Approach

Question 47: If applicable, which curriculum approach(es) does your concept proposal involve? (Select all that apply.)

If your concept proposes to provide training to individuals, please select all the curriculum approaches that apply.

If your concept does not provide training, please select "Not Applicable".

B. Training Model

Question 48: If applicable, which training delivery model(s) will be used? (Select all that apply.)

If your concept proposes to provide training to individuals, please select all the training delivery approaches that apply.

If your concept does not provide training, please select "Not Applicable".

Part 5 - Concept description

A - Concept identification

Question 49: Concept title

Give a short title that describes your project.

B - Concept proposal narrative description

Question 50: Please provide a concise narrative description of your concept proposal. (Maximum 4000 characters)

This section should describe your concept proposal and summarize the key information provided in the previous sections. It should provide a clear and comprehensive overview of your concept.

At a minimum, your narrative should address the following elements:

Duration of proposed initiative

Your narrative must state the proposed start and end dates of your initiative

Key objectives

Your narrative must:

  • outline the objective(s) of your project. Your objective(s) must be clearly linked to the objectives of the program to which you are applying
    • proposals should include clear and achievable objectives. The objectives of each proposal should be described in terms of quantifiable and measurable goals to be achieved through this project. Multifaceted proposals should include major steps and sub-objectives
    • objectives are statements of desired change that describe what should be accomplished and provide a context in which progress can be monitored and success can be measured.
      • project objectives should:
        • be S.M.A.R.T.: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely
        • be consistent with the program objectives
  • identify the workforce challenge or opportunity that your concept addresses

Key activities and timelines

Your narrative must describe the main activities planned to achieve the objectives of the concept, including:

  • who will carry out each key activity
  • the anticipated high-level timelines for completion
  • how the activities will be delivered and the role of partners in implementation
  • where the activities will take place, and
  • the population or group they are intended to serve

Please refer to the eligible project activities for information on this element (activities).

Expected results and outcomes

Your narrative must outline the expected results and outcomes of the concept proposal including:

  • the key outputs to be delivered and the outcomes the concept will achieve
  • the anticipated benefits for workers, employers, and the sector, and
  • the approach you will use to define, collect, measure and report results throughout the project lifecycle

Please refer to the Project outcomes and Program Results for information on these elements.

Overall impact

Your narrative must describe the overall impact of your concept proposal, including:

  • how it will help meet workforce needs in your sector (sectoral level), region (regional level), or across the country (national level), and
  • any positive long-term effects it may have, including impacts that continue after the funding period ends

Part 6 - Concept financial overview

A - Budget

Applicants must provide an estimate of the project's costs by fiscal year. ESDC uses the information provided in this section to review the overall cost of the proposed concept, as well as the project activities to be covered by all anticipated sources of funding by fiscal year.

Complete the Budget section of the financial overview table to show the cost for each activity for each year. You may add rows as needed to reflect additional activities up to 21.

Please note that a project cannot exceed 3 years.

Table 1: A - Budget
Activity (for example, curriculum development) Year 1 ($999,999.99) Year 2 ($999,999.99) Year 3 ($999,999.99) Funding total by activity ($)
Activity 1 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00
Activity 2 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00
Activity 3 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00
Total project activity cost $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00

The amounts in the total project activity costs should align with those that you will put in section B - Anticipated sources of funding of SOI.

Refer to the program's Eligible project activities to complete this table.

B - Anticipated sources of funding

One of the program rules is cost sharing. Your project must get at least 25% of its funding from the private sector. The program will pay for up to 75% of the total project cost.

This 75% is also the stacking limit for SWIF. It means that all government funding combined (federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal) cannot be more than 75% of the project's eligible costs. You must secure the remaining funding from other sources, such as private sector partners.

The Department uses the information provided in the Anticipated sources of funding table to confirm that your funding request meets the stacking limit or requirement for funding from other sources.

"Other sources of funding" includes any source of funding (including from your organization) other than the program for which you are submitting this SOI.

Complete the Anticipated sources of funding section of the financial overview table to show the cost for each source of funding for each year. You may add rows as needed to reflect additional funding sources up to 21.

Table 2: B - Anticipated source of funding
Source of Funding Contribution Type Year 1 ($999,999.99) Year 2 ($999,999.99) Year 3 ($999,999.99) Total funding by source ($)
ESDC Funding Requested
  • Cash
  • In-kind
 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00
Partner Contribution 1
  • Cash
  • In-kind
 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00
Partner Contribution 2
  • Cash
  • In-kind
 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00
Partner Contribution 3
  • Cash
  • In-kind
 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00
Total funding for the project n/a $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00 $ 0. 00

Part 7 - Attestation

To be considered eligible, an official representative must attest to the following:

In addition, applicants may choose to attest to the following (optional):

To do this, the official representative must provide their name, title, and the date.

As this is an attestation, no signature is required.

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2026-08-25